/TG/heim:Dulac's Damnation (Middenheimer Mercenaries)
Intro
The scant handful of Questing Knights that return successful to Bretonnia are celebrated in song, but for the vast majority, death or dishonour is a more likely fate. And for those Bretonnians dishonoured, lost, or disillusioned with their goal, there is no redemption from their task.
Such knights tend to draw a strange company around them - like tends to attract like; and in the Old World, the ways of damnation are truly infinite...
Warband Rating: 119
Treasury: 9gc.
Last Game's reference result:+45gc-5gc for hired sword upkeep, 10-7-10 Items, 6 Henchman xp
Record: 1-2
Heroes
Ignatius the Heretic
Ignatius rarely speaks of his past, but traces of his accent and choice of words speak of a former affiliation with the church of Sigmar. A dark look crosses his face every time the Grand Theogenist is mentioned, leading many to dub him "the Heretic" in jest - though how true this may be of him is anyone's guess. Dulac considers him his right-hand man and he holds the purse-strings for the company. With Dulac slain, he has taken the reins of the mercenary company and has vowed bloody revenge on the Vampire and his minions who slew him - a testament to the unlikely friendship they had.
Champion
+Dagger
+Halberd
Starting Experience: 8. Skills: Combat, Strength, Speed.
Current XP: 14. Next Advance at 17.
Advances: +WS, +A
Base Cost: 45
Leader - Grants Leadership to all warriors within 6"
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 3 | 4+1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
Alfric Greymane
This huge Middenheimer draped in wolf furs is the company's designated scout and survivalist. He rarely speaks, but when he does his bass rumble recalls a gathering storm. Alfric's inability to save Dulac during the previous battle has been a source of shame to him, and he has decided to stay with the company to redeem his honour - even losing his arm to a Witch Hunter warhound in combat has not weakened his resolve. Alfric has been in the mercenary life for a long time, and is haunted by nightmares - on the battlefield he is a whirlwind of steel but certain triggers can cause him to remember past horrors and suddenly lock up.
Champion
+Dagger
+Warhammer
Starting Experience: 8. Skills: Combat, Strength, Speed.
Current XP: 13. Next Advance at 14.
Base Cost: 45gc
Advances: +WS
Injuries:
Amputated Left Arm
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
Squire Pierre
Young Pierre has followed his master through thick and thin, but Dulac's death has been a heavy blow to the squire's sunny disposition. He fights in a quintessentially Bretonnian manner as his late master, throwing himself into the teeth of danger without regard for his safety. Perhaps it is the Lady's blessing herself, but the young squire seems far more resilient than his frame would suggest - and perhaps it may be a trick of the light, but from some angles one notices a spectral figure walking in the shadow of the youngblood, garbed in the manner of an ancient Bretonnian knight carrying his own head...
Youngblood
+Dagger
+Mace
Starting Experience: 0. Skills: Combat, Strength, Speed
Current XP: 6. Next Advance at 8.
Advances: +Skill, +Skill, +Skill
Step Aside - 5+ save in CC
Resilient - Attacking models strike at -1S in CC
Fearsome - Causes (and is Immune to) Fear
Base Cost: 18
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
Jonas the Cutpurse
A former cutpurse from Marienburg, Jonas was press-ganged on the company's last foray through the province. He feels surprisingly little ill-will - the danger on the mercenary road is no worse than the risk of a hangman's noose in Marienburg, and the pay is better - although the food could use some improvement. A life on the streets has given him a penchant for handling weapons in both hands, though his carefree attitude has been sobered after a brush with a Slaaneshi Possessed - the demonspawn shattered his left leg and left him without the ability to run. Few things faze him after that. Jonas has learned to compensate for his slower foot speed by taking advantage of the gymnastic skills he picked up as a cutpurse, using various cartwheels and leaps off his good leg to allow him to keep up with the rest of the band.
Youngblood
+Dagger
+Sword
Starting Experience: 0. Skills: Combat, Strength, Speed
Current XP: 4. Next Advance at 6.
Advances: +Skill, +Skill
Ambidextrous - Ignores TWF penalty
Leap - May move a further D6"
Injuries:
Lame Leg - Cannot run
Hardened - Immune to Fear
Swallowed Tainted Water - Misses next game.
Base Cost: 18
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
Henchmen
Dulac's death might have shattered the company, if not for the steady hand of Ignatius. Some of the men wonder quietly at whether or not remaining in the accursed city is worth the risk, but none dare speak their fears aloud in the face of Ignatius' quiet intensity - is he simply seeking vengeance for a friend? Or is there something more that Ignatius seeks in the ruins?
Emilio and Vicente
Emilio is a Tilean bravo has boasted that he's traveled all over the Old World and has seen it all. His flamboyant dress and manner is at odds with Dulac's dour demeanour. He's the most highly paid of the regulars and has the sword skills (and swaggering ego!) to match. His pride was struck after a sword duel with a Vampire, but it has spurred him to train all the more furiously.
Vicente is an Estalian destraza found by Ignatius in a Brigandsburg tavern. His rivalry with Emilio is intense, but both have stopped short of a full duel... for now. Their rivalry has spurred each other to greater heights of bravado and daring, allowing them to hold against odds that would shake many others in the band - confidence that has only been bolstered by a decisive defeat of a band of roaming Slaaneshi cultists.
Swordsmen (2 models)
+Dagger
+Sword
Current XP: 4. Next Advance at 6.
Advances: +WS, +Ld
Expert Swordsman - May reroll all attacks on the charge if equipped with a sword.
Base Cost: 55 (Emilio), 41gc (Vicente)
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 8 |
Josef Hallstein
A recent addition to the group, Josef is a Middenheimer sellsword, clearly indicated by the wolf-pendant of Ulric he wears. His military bearing is a stark contrast to Emilio and Vicente's posturing, and suggests a background in the Imperial Army.
Swordsmen (1 models)
+Dagger
+Sword
Current XP: 0. Next Advance at 2.
Advances:
Expert Swordsman - May reroll all attacks on the charge if equipped with a sword.
Base Cost: 35gc
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
Jacques
Jacques is one of the other few Bretonnians to have stuck with Sir Dulac from the beginning of his quest, most of the other various men-at-arms and yeomen being killed, dying of dysentery and other diseases, or simply being dismissed or leaving when the coffers have run dry. With Dulac dead, Jacques is the senior Bretonnian left in the group, and has decided to stick around to keep a watchful eye on young Pierre.
Warrior (1 model)
+Dagger
+Mace
Current XP: 4. Next Advance at 6.
Advances: +WS
Base Cost: 28
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
Godfrey
A former bouncer at a Brigandsburg bar, Ignatius made him a far more lucrative offer than the measly coppers he might receive otherwise. He has a remarkable ability to roll with the punches - an ability proven after tussling with a Slaaneshi Possessed and coming out little the worse for wear.
Warrior (1 model)
+Dagger
+Mace
Current XP: 1. Next Advance at 2.
Advances:
Base Cost: 28
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
Hans
A Reiklander from the heart of the Empire, this canny veteran commands a good price for his talent - while not as skilled as the pick of the litter found in proper Reiklander bands, even second-rate Reiklanders are highly valued among the Free Companies. Hans prefers to pick elevated positions closer to the front line, and has a reckless habit of diving into the melee from a window to take enemies by surprise once his arrows are spent.
Marksman (1 model)
+Dagger
+Bow
Current XP: 4. Next Advance at 6.
Advances:+BS, +A
Base Cost: 35
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
Gunther
Another Reiklander from the heart of the Empire, Gunther is the brother of Hans but like him, is simply only above average rather than exceptional compared to most - though Gunther bristles at any suggestion of such a thing. Gunther is much cooler-headed than his brother and prefers to snipe the enemy from rear positions - his steely nerves keeps his aim steady no matter what he's shooting at.
Marksman (1 model)
+Dagger
+Bow
Current XP: 4. Next Advance at 6.
Advances:+BS, +Ld
Base Cost: 35
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 8 |
Hired Swords
Alia Tenderfoot
A halfling treasure hunter whose previous expedition was slain by a band of fanatical cultists. Ignatius was keenly interested in her report of a vast pit filled with wyrdstone - likely the comet's crater - and has taken her into the company's employ.
Halfling Scout (1 model)
+Dagger
+Bow
+Cooking Pot (Helmet)
Current XP: 1. Next Advance at 2.
Advances:
Base Cost: 15 + 5gc upkeep.
| M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 8 |
Deceased and Dismissed
Lucien Dulac (torn in half by Ogre Mercenary Griggs): Many Questing knights spend years on the hunt for the Grail - and while the bard songs will tell you it is all saving damsels in distress and slaying dragons, the reality is that bills must be paid, horses must be re-shoed, warriors must be fed, swords must be re-sharpened, and so on. Debts dog at the heels of a Questing knight - for those with lands held in escrow these are easy to pay. Others, like Sir Lucien Dulac, are not so fortunate and soon resort to less than honourable methods to pay them: selling their swords to the highest bidder. But a mercenary's life involves debts as well, and sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures...
Thumb (killed by a Witch Hunter warhound): Thumb is little more than a vicious thug, but one quickly learns in the soldiering business that luxuries like good breeding, fair speech, and general courtesy cost quite a few gold crowns extra and don't really provide much in the way of tangible battlefield benefits.
Dietrich (killed by a Witch Hunter warhound): A former hand-gunner from Hochland province, Dietrich is the only member of Dulac's company skilled in the maintenance and care of temperamental black powder weapons. Most Bretonnians tend to disdain such equipment, but Dietrich's employment is either a mark of his cynicism, pragmatism, desperation, or some combination of all three.
Viktor (slain by a Witch Hunter flagellant Karl): An Ostermark guide hired for his familiarity with the province, and the lands around Mordheim, Viktor has been receiving some basic tutelage from Emilio.
Game Record
vs. The Ardent Tide. (Occupy, Ardent Tide victory): Dulac swallowed down the lump of fear in his throat as the Ogre mercenary came smashing through the side of the house, huge anchor in tow and sending wood splinters across. Had he led his men here to their doom, here at the hands of these undead pirates? Even Dietrich's black powder blunderbuss had failed to stem the tide of the living dead, though it had blown a swathe of devastation clear through their ranks and torn apart the Vampire Captain's fell wolf. Steel clashed against wrought iron as the Ogre wrenched the huge anchor in an overhand swing - the blow left Dulac's sword arm numb. Behind him, he could hear the sound of battle - Ignatius and the remaining warriors holding a desperate rearguard action against waves of the shambling dead; and over top of them, the mad laugh of the Vampire over the sounds of blades going into flesh. "Emilio", he though, realizing the Tilean bravo's boasted swordsmanship had failed. Then suddenly, the Ogre's anchor came about again and all went dark.
Dulac slain in combat. 3 wyrdstone found after the battle; 2 sold for 30gc. Sword purchased for 10gc.
vs. Runwald's Barristers at Law. (Defend the Find, Barrister victory): "Sigmar's wrath be-" The priest's mad raving was cut off by a terrific blast from Dietrich's blunderbuss, shredding the walls of the small hovel. But from the ruins of the building leapt a pack of slavering hounds followed on their heels by shouting madmen. "Hold firm, men!" cried Ignatius. "Sigmar may have abandoned the Empire, but in these times we do not abandon one another!"
Priest Killian and a warhound slain. Warriors Viktor and Thumb slain in combat along with Marksman Dietrich. Alfric's arm amputated. 1 wyrdstone found after, +1 for a hero within the find. Shop found in ruins (+3gc) 3 wyrdstone sold (2+1 from reserve) for 65gc. 3xp in Henchmen Pool. Rare Item Hunt 6-2-2. Vicente purchased for 41gc (35gc+6gc xp; re-equip henchmen group with sword/dagger - Emilio gives his to Vicente). Alia Tenderfoot hired for 15gc. Godfrey purchased for 28gc (25gc+3gc mace). Pierre transfers sword to Jonas; Jonas transfers mace to Alfric.
vs. Avelle's Alluring Assemblage. (Breakthrough with Avelle as the attacker, Dulac's Damnation victory): Alfric hefted his warhammer and suddenly realized the assault had broken - Slaaneshi cultists littered the street. But one remained: in the centre of the street stalked some blasphemous... *thing*. It had the vague shape of a man, but twisted and morphed. As Alfric watched in horror it dealt a backhanded blow to Jonas, sending the youngling flying - and over in the corner the band's halfling scout came running to the youngblood's aid. Alfric's legs were lead - he could not move again, not even to save the youngblood. The rest of them gaped as the beast screamed in rage - or was it agony? Behind him, Emilio leapt forward with a cry of anger, swords flashing; but even as he closed with the monster, it spun around and fled into the night on all fours.
Jonas has leg shattered and is hardened. 2 wyrdstone found after; 2 sold for 45gc. Well found - Jonas attempts; fails. Josef Hallstein hired for 35gc, Ignatius gives sword to Josef; equips Halberd.